World Breastfeeding Week 2017: Here's why you should breastfeed your baby!

Image for representational purpose only

New Delhi: We all know that the vitamins and nutrients found in mothers' breast milk cannot be compared with the nutrients in formula for a newborn.

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child's good health and survival.

Each year, the first week of August is being observed as World Breastfeeding Week to encourage mothers and families to support breastfeeding, which is not only good for both mother and the child.

World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breast milk as the best nutritional food source for infants, which should be available to babies deprived of their mother’s milk.

WHO and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should commence within one hour of the child’s birth.

Here are some great reasons to breastfeed your baby:

• Mothers' breas tmilk contains all essential vitamins and nutrients a baby needs in first six months of life.
• It is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect newborns from illness.
• Breast milk is good for babies' brain health. And evidence suggests that babies who were breastfed have better IQs, academic achievement, working memory and motor function.
• Breastfeeding can protect baby from developing allergies and other eventual health issues.
• Breast milk is more digestible then formula.
• Breastfeeding reduces a child's risk of becoming overweight as a teen or adult.
• It promotes bonding between mother and the baby.
• It even reduces mother's risk of developing some types of cancer such as ovarian and breast cancer.
• Nursing helps mom lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding can reduce mother's stress level and their risk of postpartum depression